INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC)

 

RESCUE DINNER

(formerly named Freedom Award Dinner)

International Rescue Committee (IRC) – GenR Summer Party
Annual series of innovative fundraising events created to heighten awareness and secure funds for the IRC’s mission.  The events are tailored for various audiences and are hosted by President and CEO David Miliband (formerly a Foreign Secretary for Great Britain) and include an awards presentation, multiple staging event and musical performances. Keynote speakers include Heads of State and other renowned persons that include former President Bill Clinton, performance artist Sting and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. For over 20 years the event was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. C. Madden Productions managed the site selection when the Waldorf closed, moving the event with great success to the New York

Midtown Hilton.

 

Attendance: 950 
Annual funds raised for Rescue Dinner:  over $2,500,000

 

GENR SUMMER PARTY

GenR (Generation Rescue) is an initiative comprised of dynamic young professionals who directly engage their communities through advocacy and fundraising endeavors. The GenR Summer Party is held at a hip Soho venue and has multiple activities to participate in throughout the evening. 

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C. Madden Productions also solicited product and financial sponsorships (in particular liquor) for GenR.

Attendance: 400 for GenR events (25-40 year old supporters)

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AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR STUTTERING (AIS) – FREEING VOICES CHANGING LIVES AWARD

Annual event designed by C. Madden to raise awareness on stuttering disorders and solicit funds for the American Institute for Stuttering.  The evening is hosted by award-winning actress Emily Blunt. Awards are presented to individuals who have excelled in their chosen careers without allowing their stuttering to hold them back. Awards have been presented to young global award-winning musician Ed Sheeran, actor Bruce Willis and Home Depot Co-Founder Arthur Blank.  President Joseph Biden, a stutterer, has been a keynote speaker on three occasions. The event generates enormous press coverage weeks in advance and allows the Institute to place a well-deserved spotlight on the stuttering community. The Benefit includes an awards presentation, a Live Auction for Speech Therapy Scholarships, a public relations campaign and musical performances.

 

Capacity attendance: 450

Location: New York City. 
Annual funds raised:  over $800,000

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QUEEN SOFÍA SPANISH INSTITUTE –

 

SOFÍA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Developed and implemented first event of the organization’s revamping since the passing of Chairman Oscar de la Renta. Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain presided over the presentations at the luncheon and launched new initiatives in education, literature and culture.

 

Attendance: 250
Location: Metropolitan Club, New York City
 

 

GOLD MEDAL AWARDS GALA

Developed and managed this annual fundraising event, held in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain.  Exemplary individuals in the fields of Business, Sports, Fashion, Medicine and the Arts were recognized for their personal contributions in promoting the cultural connection existing between Spain and Ibero-America.  Past Honorees include former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Spanish actors Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem.  This event was always one of the highlights of the New York City society circuit and the organization was chaired by the late famed fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, a dedicated and inspirational leader.

 

Attendance: 400
Funds raised annually: exceeded $900,000
Location: New York City
Note:  Following Mr. de la Renta’s passing, the Annual Gala has been suspended by the Institute’s Board of Directors.

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IRC 75TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

 

MIAMI, FLORIDA

A celebration was held at the historic Freedom Tower and paid tribute to the Cuban refugees who have made extraordinary contributions to their new communities in the United States.  A Lounge reception included presentations by the Governor of Florida and other prominent individuals with a musical performance by Latin Jazz musician Paquito D’Rivera. 

 

Attendance 300

Location: Freedom Tower, Miami

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VOLVO OCEAN RACE NEW YORK - GALA EVENTS - BENEFITTING WORLD CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION

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Luncheon Spectator Cruise followed by a formal Gala. Fundraising project spearheaded by Volvo Corporation and Volvo Cars to benefit the World Childhood Foundation in conjunction with the New York start of the 7th leg of the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race. Hosted and attended by Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. There were two events in one day with international dignitaries and guests. Since attendance and fundraising exceeded initial expectations the venue had to be moved.

 

Attendance: 650

Locations: New York City and Harbor

Funds raised exceeded $1 million

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WORLD CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION

 

GALAS

Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden heads this bi-yearly event for the global organization that she founded with a focus on improving the living conditions and situations of abused and exploited children. The Gala is held in the presence of Her Majesty.  

 

Attendance: 300

Location: New York City

Funds raised: exceeded $700,000

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NORTHSIDE CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT 

 

60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Fundraising dinner and awards presentation led by former President Bill Clinton and honoring  musician Wynton Marsalis with a featured performance by Grammy winner John Legend. Developed and managed all aspects of the entire project, including the Co-Chair fundraising efforts.

 

Attendance: 730

Location: New York City

Funds raised: exceeded $1.7 million

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AWARDS GALAS

Developed the annual gala/fundraisers that includes the presentation of the Hammond and Mamie Awards.   Awards recipients included Reuben and Arlene Mark (Colgate-Palmolive Company); Clive Davis (J-Records); acclaimed Soprano Jessye Norman; Former President Bill Clinton; former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; and Michael Strahan (New York Giants).  There was a special ceremony developed for the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.  

 

Average attendance: 350

Location: New York City

Funds raised exceeded $750,000

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SCANDINAVIA HOUSE: THE NORDIC CENTER IN AMERICA – OFFICIAL DEDICATION

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The opening of a new building on Park Avenue in New York City that had all Scandinavian Heads of State in attendance.  Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden led the delegation.  

 

Private event and gallery viewing for 150 people followed by an outdoor celebration for 2000 people.

Gala for 1000 guests.

Funds raised exceeded $1.2 million

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THE AMERICAN SCANDINAVIAN FOUNDATION – ANNUAL GALAS

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An annual Gala Dinner and fundraiser with Guests of Honor that included Scandinavian Heads of State and Royal Representatives as follows:  Their Majesties King Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden; Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark; Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway; President of Iceland; President of Finland.

 

Average Attendance: 450

Locations: New York City 

Funds raised $500,000 – $800,000